Waters of Perseverance: The Legacy of FDR and Eleanor in a Time of Turmoil

The  statue of FDR , seated in contemplation, serves as a powerful focal point of the image. Roosevelt, despite being paralyzed by polio, led the country with unmatched resolve. His ability to inspire hope during dark times is a testament to human perseverance. The way he is depicted, with calm resolve amidst chaos, reflects his steady leadership during a tumultuous era. As I included his figure, I wanted to evoke the quiet strength he must have called upon daily—a leader who carried the nation's burdens on his shoulders, much like the calm yet firm stance portrayed in the sculpture.  

The  sculpture of men standing in a bread line , a reminder of the  Great Depression , invokes a sense of struggle and solidarity. These were ordinary men, like so many others who suffered deeply during the economic crisis. Their collective posture, heads bowed in resignation, symbolizes the plight of the countless individuals who stood in such lines, waiting for food, and hoping for a better future. The colors I used around this section—grays and deep blues—enhance that sense of sorrow but also a quiet dignity. I wanted to capture that duality of despair and resilience, where the human spirit somehow finds ways to persevere.  

The  cascading waterfalls within the memorial provide both a literal and symbolic meaning in this artwork. For me, they represent the constant flow of history, the unrelenting challenges, and the way that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, time presses forward. Water has the power to wear down the hardest of stones, just as history reshapes nations and peoples. The deep, cool blues of the water were meant to reflect both the serenity and the inexorable nature of time.  

Eleanor Roosevelt’s statue, with the  United Nations emblem , stands as a symbol of her tireless advocacy for human rights and diplomacy. In her, we see a woman who did not simply stand beside greatness but created her own path in history. I wanted her presence in the artwork to feel equal to that of FDR—not merely as a companion but as a force in her own right. Her deep understanding of global issues and her humanitarian work resonate through the earthy tones I applied to her section, symbolizing her groundedness and commitment to the common good.  

As I worked on this piece, I found myself drawn to FDR’s  engraved quotes . His words, timeless and profound, speak not only to his era but to all periods of crisis. One of the quotes featured reminds us that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” which remains as powerful today as it was during his inaugural address in  1933 . This notion of overcoming fear is central to the message of this artwork. The  great depression bread line sculpture, the waterfall symbolizing the flow of hardship, and Eleanor’s steady, guiding influence all tie together under the overarching theme of resilience in the face of adversity.  

This artwork was deeply personal for me. As I layered the elements of FDR’s memorial, I found myself contemplating the way we, as individuals and as societies, respond to crises. The  blue and green hues dominate the piece to evoke a sense of calm amidst the chaos, symbolizing the possibility of peace and recovery even when times seem darkest. Roosevelt’s presidency was one of navigating stormy waters, but he did so with a vision of a better future. Eleanor’s contribution to human rights work globally reminds me that leadership takes many forms, and often the most profound impact comes from those who work tirelessly behind the scenes.  

I wanted this piece to feel both historical and timeless. The  sculptures and memorials are tangible remnants of the past, but the emotions they evoke—struggle, hope, resilience—are as relevant today as ever. The water, endlessly flowing, represents the passage of time but also the continuity of human experience.  

Franklin Delano Roosevelt served as the 32nd President of the United States from  1933 to 1945 . The  Great Depression began in  1929 , leaving millions of Americans impoverished, many of whom would have stood in the bread lines depicted in this memorial.  Eleanor Roosevelt served as the first chair of the  United Nations Commission on Human Rights and played a critical role in drafting the  Universal Declaration of Human Rights in  1948 .  

In this piece, I hoped to honor the perseverance, leadership, and dedication of two extraordinary individuals and reflect on the universal themes of human struggle and the ever-flowing river of history.